An in-depth marketing strategy is essential for any nonprofit that wishes to increase program participation and raise visibility of the organization. However many nonprofits, especially small nonprofits with small budgets, fall behind on marketing, citing that marketing efforts are too difficult or expensive.

Workshop trainer and marketing expert Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz of JJR Marketing wants to debunk the idea that a marketing strategy is unattainable for any nonprofit, big or small. In light of her upcoming workshop, Marketing Strategy Made Easy, we asked her to de-mystify some myths about nonprofit marketing.

Q: From your experience, what do you see as the biggest problem nonprofits struggle with in their marketing?A: In my experience, the biggest problem nonprofits struggle with in their marketing is lack of funds or resources to properly execute initiatives. This is why having an integrated marketing strategy is so important. Integration means maximizing resources and opportunities to gain awareness with a shoestring budget.

Q: What inspired you to create the “Marketing Strategy Made Easy” workshop?A: My inspiration for this workshop was my passion to see nonprofits succeed in having an ongoing impact in the community. Whether we recognize it or not, we are all in the business of marketing. Marketing is the only activity that if done properly can yield to growth, opportunities and awareness. There are so many creative ways to gain exposure and I wanted to create a platform for nonprofits to explore all the different ways to make a bigger impact through proper planning of their marketing.

Q: What do you think nonprofit communicators will be most excited about after your training?A: They will be excited about the possibilities of taking their nonprofit to the next level. They will discover unique ways to get exposure, but most importantly, they will embrace new marketing tools to help them plan and execute their marketing more effectively and efficiently. I have seen incredible things happen after this program. Let the magic begin!

Blogs share your stories. Across the web, individuals and organizations are doing what paper newsletters did in the past – connecting with an audience of eager readers. Letting advocates know the success of your programs, calling them to action, asking for donations, and garnering new supporters, can all be done more immediately – and perhaps more effectively – with a blog.

The concept behind using blogging as one of your main communications tools is simple: the more content you post, the more real estate you own on the Internet, and the easier it is for your advocates and potential audience to find you.

And how do your readers find you? Post relevant content, often. In the realm of the Internet, content is king.

They come from everywhere. They come to start anew, to survive, to live just another day. They come to Chicago because it is where others settled, where they have links, or where there are hands willing to to accept them. Chicago’s has a legacy as a place of sanctuary. This story about the flight of Assyrians […]